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2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...? 2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 11 Jan 2014
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2 Cylinder 350-600 simple bike...?
I'm looking for a simple, 2 cylinder so I don't get vibrated to death bike with enough power for motorways, comfy enough for all day but thatll handle crappy roads and dirt paths. Looking at spending under 4,000 preferably under 3000.

My idea well I've decided im setting off. I've sold everything valuable, my rental agreement is ending and I've got no other place to go nothing else to do. I'm heading down to Spain or italy then Africa and just see as it goes. No schedule or planning. Got a tent for sleeping, all camping gear etc. Money in my pocket. Panniers packed so ready to go just need a bike.

I had an old thunderbird, before that an xt and a drz. Been riding for 10 yrs all year round in the uk mostly. Sold the Thunderbird as I want something that'll take more punishment and dodgy roads tracks with greater ease.

I don't want to do much or anything to it except throw my panniers over and be on my way!

Any and all suggestions much appreciated.
Last edited by helcat; 13 Mar 2014 at 12:23.
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  #2  
Old 11 Jan 2014
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I like the mg V7 or even the Breva. The v7 though now sports a 22litre tanks which could be helpful. Not hear of any problems with the shaft but am sure some one some where has managed to break one
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  #3  
Old 11 Jan 2014
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Thanks.. Was looking at them only minuses seem a bit expensive and not much offroad action. I'm quite keen to do some trails and offroady bits, though i know i could ride around the world on roads good enough for most bikes. used to have fun as a kid razzing around tracks and trails.

Also im 6ft 5 and never seen the guzzi in the flesh but Italians generally make their bikes on the small side.

Definitely one to think about.
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  #4  
Old 11 Jan 2014
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I assume you're somewhere in UK?
You've pretty much left it too late mate. Most guys on here take a year or more to prep a travel bike. A guy your size needs a TALL bike with a GOOD Seat.

If I were you ... I'd buy Touring Ted's Dominator. Yes ... I know you said twin ... but if you're headed into Maroc and Africa ... there isn't much in your budget that will suit without LOTS of custom prep. Most small twins aren't tough enough once loaded up with crap.

Best go with Ted's Domi ... it's cheap and ready to head out TODAY. Check it here in classifieds.

Or look round for a nice XT660R ... a couple of nice ones just sold here for under 3000 UKP. Both are TALL and seats can be modified. Both good carrying luggage and can handle rough pistes at speed.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nator-uk-73221
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Old 11 Jan 2014
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Honda CB500, they have a bullet proof reputation and Chris Scott even used on for an overland bike project.
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Old 11 Jan 2014
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Oops sorry that should of been Suzuki GS500 which is also an excellent choice.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...erlander-66506
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Old 11 Jan 2014
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Don't worry too much about the shape. I've ridden Enfield's and new Bonneville's on unmade roads. If you can fit knobbled tyres they do it. Ted Simon did rather well too.

The Bonneville is heavy but still on my shopping list along with the V7 and SR400 (a single so doesn't meet your list).

350's now seem limited to what the Chinese bring in. I want someone else to try one before I do!

If you want off road shaped and fit for a big bloke you could try the WeeStrom. 3500 mile oil chances are a bit **** but it has been dead easy to live with.

Andy
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Old 11 Jan 2014
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Gs500 definitely within budget so will keep an eye on it. I was looking at vstroms as well as Honda transalp and Africa twins. Its pretty much just seeing the right one at the right price and buying it.

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Old 12 Jan 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by helcat View Post
GI was looking at vstroms as well as Honda transalp and Africa twins. Its pretty much just seeing the right one at the right price and buying it.
Good bikes, but not necessarily what I would call 'simple' or easy to work on.
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Old 12 Jan 2014
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A modern dilemma there. Buy an Enfield with points because it is simple and then get lots of practice or a complex modern bike that is less likely to break. I'd take the proven basic digital tech AT/WeeStrom/New Bonneville/V7 level, but its personal choice.

Andy
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Old 12 Jan 2014
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If you are planning any unsealed roads, forget the Bonnie. I had one, loved it on the tar but no wheel travel, consequently terrible in the dirt. Rough as guts.
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Old 12 Jan 2014
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Don't rule out the old Army workhorse - Harley Davidson MT350

It's single cylinder, but well balanced and negligible vibration

Easy to fix anywhere in the world

See MTRIDERSCLUB.CO.UK
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  #13  
Old 12 Jan 2014
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Originally Posted by woody2627 View Post
If you are planning any unsealed roads, forget the Bonnie. I had one, loved it on the tar but no wheel travel, consequently terrible in the dirt. Rough as guts.
It's no trail bike but once I fitted K60's instead of road tyres I was happy on anything you could really call a road.

Andy
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  #14  
Old 12 Jan 2014
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Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
A modern dilemma there. Buy an Enfield with points because it is simple and then get lots of practice or a complex modern bike that is less likely to break. I'd take the proven basic digital tech AT/WeeStrom/New Bonneville/V7 level, but its personal choice.

Andy
Indeed hoping for the middle ground, something with a carb, well 2. Modern ignition and easy enough to work on or at least not a nightmare.



Quote:
Originally Posted by MT350 View Post
Don't rule out the old Army workhorse - Harley Davidson MT350

It's single cylinder, but well balanced and negligible vibration

Easy to fix anywhere in the world

See MTRIDERSCLUB.CO.UK
Thanks, I had one of these for several years. I did find it mega comfortable, they got the riding position and seat dead on. The vibes did bother me more than a twin though but you're right they aren't that bad and very simple easy to work on bike I may have to look at again. Those front panniers would come in handy as well.

If I'm looking at singles it opens a whole can of worms. I'm not looking to put mega miles per day in I guess.


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  #15  
Old 12 Jan 2014
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Originally Posted by Squily View Post
Good bikes, but not necessarily what I would call 'simple' or easy to work on.
I know they look a right pain with all that fairing. I'd just like a nice simple lightweight 400 twin like a drz but twin. 400 seems plenty enough having ridden drzs vfr and Honda nt just a shame it'll never be made now with emissions and the desire for bigger engines.

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